Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
484. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy on the need for note taking when Ministers and-or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46499/18]
View answerI understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has a primary role in relation to provision of policy and guidance on records management and has the power to make regulations on these matters under the National Archives Act 1986.
In relation to Ministerial meetings with business leaders, the Deputy will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 places the obligation on the lobbyist to register details of relevant communications with Designated Public Officials including Ministers, where such communications come within the scope of the Act. The Act does not place any requirements on Ministers in relation to record keeping. However, the Guidance for Designated Public Officials as published on the Lobbying Regulator’s website recommends the maintenance of good record keeping practices.
There is not, however, at present, a department wide policy or direction on the need for officials to take notes in all meetings. My Department intends to review its record management arrangements in 2019 and will consider the development of a policy on record keeping practices as part of this review.”
